‘Tiger Bandit’ sought in robberies of local banks

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating a man wanted in connection with the robberies of several Los Angeles area banks, including ones in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey last month.
The suspect has been dubbed the “Tiger Bandit” after he has been seen wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball hat in bank surveillance photos taken at the time of the robberies, according to the FBI.
The man is suspected in bank robberies in Santa Monica Nov. 27 and Marina del Rey Nov. 24, as well as Huntington Beach Nov. 29, Long Beach Nov. 24 and Cerritos Nov. 23, an FBI spokeswoman said. Most recently, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies and the FBI responded to a report of a bank robbery at the U.S. Bank, 2270 Pacific Coast Highway, in Lomita Nov. 30.
During the robberies, the suspect allegedly demands cash in various denominations.
The suspect is described as an African-American or Hispanic man with a dark complexion, having a stocky build and possibly a skin condition, according to the FBI.
Investigators believe there is a possibility that the Tiger Bandit may actually be two men working together, but entering banks separately, based on the method of operation and similar clothing worn, the FBI spokeswoman said.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Long Beach Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Huntington Beach Police Department, the Santa Monica Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the suspect known as the “Tiger Bandit” is urged to call (888) 226-8443 or 911.